IN DEPTH

Spyker B6 Venator Spyder Unveiled at Pebble Beach

Dutch car maker Spyker has revealed the Spyder version of its new sports car, the Spyker B6 Venator, at a press conference in Pebble Beach, California.

The convertible execution of its 2-door mid-engine sports car comes just five months after unveiling the coupe concept version at the 83rd International Geneva Motor Show.

The carbon fibre body envelopes an all-aluminium rear-drive chassis that uses the same 375bhp-plus transverse-mounted V6 engine and six-speed automatic gearbox from the coupe.

Measuring 4347mm long, 1882mm wide, and with a wheelbase of 2500mm, the convertible weighs in at “under 1400 kg”.

Designed by company boss Victor Muller, the Spyder concept incorporates styling cues both from the brand’s own aviation past and modern fighter aircraft. For example, the red cover on the ignition switch evokes the spirit of starting an aeroplane, as does the dashboard that lights up as part of the ‘pre-flight check’. The dashboard is shown with a turned aluminium fascia, similar to those seen on Spykers of the 1920s. On the outside, the 3D LED rear lights are formed to mimic the iris-type after burners of a jet engine.

The company’s Latin axiom “Nulla tenaci invia est via” – “For the tenacious no road is impassable” – is featured on the exterior. The name “Venator” is Latin for “Hunter”, a nod back to Spyker’s “Hunter” fighter aircraft of the early 20th century.

The concept will begin production in late 2014 for key markets including Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and India, followed by the US in early 2015.

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